Increasing age is associated with a reduction in overall heart rate variability as well as changes in complexity of physiologic dynamics. The aim of this study was to verify if the alterations in autonomic modulation of heart rate caused by the aging process could be detected by Shannon entropy (SE), conditional entropy (CE) and symbolic analysis (SA). Complexity analysis was carried out in 44 healthy subjects divided into two groups: old (n = 23, 63 ± 3 years) and young group (n = 21, 23 ± 2). It was analyzed SE, CE [complexity index (CI) and normalized CI (NCI)] and SA (0V, 1V, 2LV and 2ULV patterns) during short heart period series (200 cardiac beats) derived from ECG recordings during 15 min of rest in a supine position. The sequences characterized by three heart periods with no significant variations (0V), and that with two significant unlike variations (2ULV) reflect changes in sympathetic and vagal modulation, respectively. The unpaired t test (or Mann-Whitney rank sum test when appropriate) was used in the statistical analysis. In the aging process, the distributions of patterns (SE) remain similar to young subjects. However, the regularity is significantly different; the patterns are more repetitive in the old group (a decrease of CI and NCI). The amounts of pattern types are different: 0V is increased and 2LV and 2ULV are reduced in the old group. These differences indicate marked change of autonomic regulation. The CE and SA are feasible techniques to detect alteration in autonomic control of heart rate in the old group.

The effects of the aging process and an active life-style on the autonomic control of heart rate (HR) were investigated in nine young sedentary (YS, 23 ± 2.4 years), 16 young active (YA, 22 ± 2.1 years), 8 older sedentary (OS, 63 ± 2.4 years) and 8 older active (OA, 61 ± 1.1 years) healthy men. Electrocardiogram was continuously recorded for 15 min at rest and for 4 min in the deep breathing test, with a breath rate of 5 to 6 cycles/min in the supine position. Resting HR and RR intervals were analyzed by time (RMSSD index) and frequency domain methods. The power spectral components are reported in normalized units (nu) at low (LF) and high (HF) frequency, and as the LF/HF ratio. The deep breathing test was analyzed by the respiratory sinus arrhythmia indices: expiration/inspiration ratio (E/I) and inspiration-expiration difference (∆IE). The active groups had lower HR and higher RMSSD index than the sedentary groups (life-style condition: sedentary vs active, P < 0.05). The older groups showed lower HFnu, higher LFnu and higher LF/HF ratio than the young groups (aging effect: young vs older, P < 0.05). The OS group had a lower E/ I ratio (1.16) and ∆IE (9.7 bpm) than the other groups studied (YS: 1.38, 22.4 bpm; YA: 1.40, 21.3 bpm; OA: 1.38, 18.5 bpm). The interaction between aging and life-style effects had a P < 0.05. These results suggest that aging reduces HR variability. However, regular physical activity positively affects vagal activity on the heart and consequently attenuates the effects of aging in the autonomic control of HR.

The results of the present investigation suggest that high eccentric strength training performed by healthy older men increases peak torque and reduces systolic blood pressure. However, an autonomic imbalance towards sympathetic modulation predominance was induced by an unknown mechanism.

The purpose of this study was to investigate if chronic eccentric strength training (ST) affects heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) during sub-maximal isometric voluntary contractions (SIVC). The training group (TG) (9 men, 62 +/- 2) was submitted to ST (12 weeks, 2 days/week, 2-4 sets of 8-12 repetitions at 75-80% peak torque (PT). The control group (CG) (8 men, 64 +/- 4) did not perform ST. The HR and the HRV (RMSSD index) were evaluated during SIVC of the knee extension (15, 30 and 40% of PT). ST increased the eccentric torque only in TG, but did not change the isometric PT and the duration of SIVC. During SIVC, the HR response pattern and the RMSSD index were similar for both groups in pre- and post-training evaluations. Although ST increased the eccentric torque in the TG, it did not generate changes in HR or HRV.

Fiogbé, E, Vassimon-Barroso, V, Catai, AM, de Melo, RC, Quitério, RJ, Porta, A, and Takahashi, ACdM. Complexity of knee extensor torque: effect of aging and contraction intensity. J Strength Cond Res 35(4): 1050–1057, 2021—Assessing the knee extensors' torque complexity in older adults is relevant because these muscles are among the most involved in functional daily activities. This study aimed to investigate the effects of aging and isometric contraction intensity on knee extensor torque complexity. Eight young (24 ± 2.8 years) and 13 old adults (63 ± 2.8 years) performed 3 maximal (maximum voluntary contraction [MVC], duration = 10 seconds) and submaximal isometric contractions (SICs, targeted at 15, 30, and 40% of MVC, respectively) of knee extensors. Torque signals were sampled continuously, and the metrics of variability and complexity were calculated basing on the SIC torque data. The coefficient of variation (CV) was used to quantify the torque variability. The torque complexity was determined by calculating the corrected approximate entropy (CApEn) and sample entropy (SampEn) and its normalized versions (NCApEn and NSampEn). Young subjects produced greater isometric torque than older adults, and the CV was similar between both groups except at the highest force level (40% MVC) where young subjects' value was higher. The major novel finding of this investigation was that although the knee extensor torque complexity is reduced in older adults, its relationship with contraction intensity is similar to young subjects. This means that despite the age-related decrease of the interactions between the components of the neuromuscular system, the organization of force control remains preserved in older adults, at least up to just below the force midrange.

Introduction: Prognostic factors are used in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to predict morbidity and mortality, especially in patients on mechanical ventilation (MV). Training protocols are used in MV patients with the aim of promoting the success of the weaning process. Objective: To assess which variables determine the outcome of patients undergoing mechanical ventilation and compare the effects of two protocols for weaning. Method: Patients under MV for more than 48 hours had collected the following information: gender, age, ideal weight, height, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II), risk of mortality, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and index Quick and perfunctory (IRRS) breathing. Patients with unsuccessful weaning performed one of weaning protocols: Progressive T -tube or tube -T + Threshold ® IMT. Patients were compared for outcome (death or non-death in the ICU) and the protocols through the t test or Mann-Whitney test was considered significant when P <0.05. Results: Of 128 patients evaluated 56.25% were men, the mean age was 60.05 ± 17.85 years and 40.62% patients died, and they had higher APACHE II scores, mortality risk, time VM and IRRS GCS and the lower value (p<0.05). The age, initial and final maximal inspiratory pressure, time of weaning and duration of MV was similar between protocols. Conclusion: The study suggests that the GCS, APACHE II risk of mortality, length of MV and IRRS variables determined the evolution of MV patients in this sample. Not found differences in the variables studied when comparing the two methods of weaning. Keywords: Intensive Care Unit; Mortality; Ventilator weaning; Respiration, artificial; APACHE; Airway extubation. ResumoIntrodução: Fatores prognósticos são usados na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) para predizer morbimortalidade, especialmente em pacientes em Ventilação Mecânica (VM). Protocolos de treinamento são utilizados em pacientes em VM com o intuito de promover o sucesso no processo de desmame ventilatório. Objetivo: Avaliar quais variáveis determinam a evolução de pacientes submetidos à ventilação mecânica e comparar os efeitos de dois protocolos de desmame ventilatório. Método: Pacientes em VM por mais de 48h tiveram as seguintes informações coletadas: sexo, idade, massa ideal, estatura, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II), risco de mortalidade, Escala de Coma de Glasgow (ECGl) e Índice de Respiração Rápida e Superficial (IRRS). Pacientes com insucesso de desmame realizaram um dos protocolos de desmame: Tubo-T progressivo ou Tubo-T + Threshold ® IMT. Os pacientes foram comparados quanto ao desfecho (óbito ou não-óbito na UTI) e quanto aos protocolos por meio do Teste t ou Teste Mann-Whitney, foi considerado como significante p<0.05. Resultados: Dos 128 pacientes avaliados 56,25% eram homens, a idade média era 60,05±17,85 anos e 40,62% pacientes foram a óbito, sendo que estes apresentaram maiores valores de APACHE II, risco de mortalidade, tempo de VM e IRRS e menor valor de ECGl (p<0,05). A idade, pressão in...

Objetivo: Determinar o limiar de anaerobiose (LA) pelo método ventilatório (visual gráfico), pelos modelos matemáticos, Heteroscedástico e Hinkley, aplicados aos conjuntos de dados de freqüência cardíaca (FC), RMS do sinal mioelétrico (Root Mean Square) e VCO 2 e comparar o LA obtido pelos três métodos. Metodologia: Foram estudados 9 idosos ativos (61,4±1,8 anos) durante teste de exercício físico dinâmico contínuo do tipo rampa, em cicloergômetro, com incrementos de potência variando de 10 a 15 Watts/min. Foram coletados os dados de FC batimento a batimento, eletromiografia de superfície do músculo vasto lateral e variáveis ventilatórias respiração a respiração. Após a aplicação dos modelos matemáticos e identificados os pontos de quebra de comportamento, foram registrados neste momento os valores de potência, VO 2 e FC, comparados e correlacionados aos obtidos pelo método visual gráfico (padrão ouro). Foi utilizado o teste de Friedman para comparações múltiplas e o teste de correlação de Spearman (nível de significância de 5%). Resultados: Não foram encontradas diferenças significantes, em relação ao padrão ouro, entre os valores de potência, VO 2 e FC, no momento do LA identificado pelos diferentes modelos. Foram encontradas correlações significantes entre os valores de FC identificados pelos modelos matemáticos entre os valores de VO 2 quando identificados pela freqüência cardíaca e de potência somente quando identificada pelo modelo de Hinkley aplicado aos dados de RMS do sinal mioelétrico. Conclusões: No grupo estudado, os modelos matemáticos mostraram-se adequados na determinação não-invasiva do LA, sendo que ambos ajustaram-se melhor aos dados de FC, seguido pela VCO 2 e RMS.

Considering the importance of muscle strength to functional capacity in the elderly, the study investigated the effects of age on isokinetic performance and torque production as a function of muscle length. Eleven younger (24.2 ± 2.9 years) and 16 older men (62.7 ± 2.5 years) were subjected to concentric and eccentric isokinetic knee extension/flexion at 60 and 120° · s(-1) through a functional range of motion. The older group presented lower peak torque (in newton-meters) than the young group for both isokinetic contraction types (age effect, p < 0.001). Peak torque deficits in the older group were near 30 and 29% for concentric and eccentric contraction, respectively. Concentric peak torque was lower at 120° · s(-1) than at 60° · s(-1) for both groups (angular velocity effect, p < 0.001). Eccentric knee extension torque was the only exercise tested that showed an interaction effect between age and muscle length (p < 0.001), which suggested different torque responses to the muscle length between groups. Compared with the young group, the eccentric knee extension torque was 22-56% lower in the older group, with the deficits being lower in the shortened muscle length (22-27%) and higher (33-56%) in the stretched muscle length. In older men, the production of eccentric knee strength seems to be dependent on the muscle length. At more stretched positions, older subjects lose the capacity to generate eccentric knee extension torque. More studies are needed to assess the mechanisms involved in eccentric strength preservation with aging and its relationship with muscle length.